Minneapolis Institute of Art

Buddhist priest's robe (kashaya)

China

Date

early 18th century

Medium

Silk (kesi)

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Silk kashaya , usually belonging to high-ranking abbots and senior monks, are more sumptuous than the cotton and hemp robes worn by the general priesthood. The elaborate design of this vestment includes several five-clawed dragons depicted with gold thread, cavorting within a celestial landscape. This imperial imagery indicates that the robe belonged to a court-sponsored temple. The rectangular shape was designed to be draped over the left shoulder, under the right arm, and fastened under the left shoulder with ties. China, Asia

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